(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith1

Time Management

Greek Life

UNC Charlotte

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith2

Agenda

Why Bother with Time Management? Big Picture Portable Planner Every Day Special Situations (Not Every Day) Breakdowns “Motivation”

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith3

Why Bother with Time Management?

The Imperative of Time All Successful People “Manage” their Time Essentials of any System

– Portable– Simple– Flexible– Complete

So What’s Important to You? You Can Start Anytime

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith4

Big Picture

What’s your horizon?– Think of the different roles you play.– Year, term, month, week?

Non-routine events– Breaks– Vacations– Tests– Deadlines– Etc.

Neat or messy – just get it down.– Wall calendar, blotter, notebook paper, etc.

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith5

Portable Planner

Find a format that works for you at an office supply store.

PDA – can be synched with Outlook™, etc. Should include

– Events transferred from the Big Picture– Tasks that are time specific– Tasks that are not time specific but are important

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith6

Portable Planner

Break large tasks up into small, specific tasks. Prioritize non time specific but important tasks

– 1 : I’m toast if I don’t do this today.– 2 : It’d be really good to get this done today.– 3 : If I get around to it, it would be swell.

A planner doesn’t suddenly make you disciplined. Don’t try to schedule everything – planning is a

means, not an end

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith7

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith8

Tasks

It’s more effective to talk about doing… Express tasks in terms of action

– Do upper body work out– Outline chapter 3– Sort my sock drawer

Some tasks are better done at some times than at others.

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith9

Every Day

At the beginning of the day, take a minute to review what’s up for the day.– Reminders, last minute changes

At the end of the day, take a minute to note your progress on tasks– √ : done– + : move to a future date– -- : drop

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith10

Special Situations

When you’ve got to work with others– Nothing ever goes according to plan

Huge assignment– Break them up!– Focus your use of time

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith11

When It’s Not Working

How can you tell? Break things up Postpone the task in a large way Change your approach Delegate Drop Log the use of your time in your planner for

two weeks and see where it’s going.

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith12

Abandoning the System

It’ll happen. Why?– System doesn’t work for you– Things come “unraveled”

Getting back on the wagon

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith13

Motivation

Motivation comes after movement starts, not before.

Peer pressure can get you started…

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith14

Summary

Time Management System Must Suit You Big Picture – Little Picture Part of your Daily Routine Special Situations – Special Plans Getting Back on the Wagon Motivation

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith15

Breakdown Control

Locus of Control“Gnothi se auton.”The “Goal of Goals”A Matter of Priorities – the 80/20 ruleToo big? Break it up!

(c) 2004 by Michael A. Smith16

Time ManagementPractical Matters

Greek Life

UNC Charlotte